David Allen "Hank" Rogers

David Allen "Hank" Rogers, 68, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Nancy, his two daughters, Tara Rogers Adas and Scarlett Rogers Green, along with grandson, Caleb, and sons-in-law, Yusef Adas and Kyle Green. The son of James A. and Joyce Krohn Rogers (Paw & Maw, deceased), Hank is preceded in death by his in-law’s, Ernest “Sonny” and Helen Gartman Ross (Poppy & Nonny). He also leaves behind his sisters, Riki Rogers Odom (Richard) and Linda Rogers Lane, and nephews Aaran and Ian, and niece, Meghan. On the Ross side of his family, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Lehwmon Ross Skrmetti, (John Patrick), sister-in-law, Colleen Ross Kavanagh (Danny), nephews, John Ernest (Dhiana), Daniel (Sara), Josh, and Jacob, and nieces, Hayley (Ryan) and Jolie. He is survived by 8 grand nieces and nephews. Hank grew up in D’Iberville, and proudly lived his life and raised his family in South Mississippi. A graduate of D’Iberville High School, class of 1970, Hank went on to obtain his Associate’s Degree in Drafting from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He later studied at the University of Southern Mississippi. Hank retired from the City of D’Iberville as the Director of Community Development in 2018, having worked in urban development and construction for almost 50 years. Prior to the “prodigal son returning to D’Iberville” he worked for the City of Biloxi as a building official. Hank was a man of principle. He was devoted to his faith, his country, and his family. Many describe him as a funny, quick witted, intelligent, strong willed, “Southern Gentleman” - committed to his beliefs, with a strong work ethic, selfless and compassionate. Hank was also a mentor to many in the community. Recently, one such mentee recanted a time when he was a young engineer and Hank took him under his wing: “He just wanted me to do well and he did everything he could to help me out. He never did anything for glory, or status, or self-gratitude. Hank did everything because he loved helping people and he loved his communities.” Hank was a volunteer leader having served as the President of the D’Iberville Historical Society, for two years, “heading up” many projects geared toward revitalizing his hometown. He was a member of the Mississippi Civil Air Patrol, serving as Wing Commander from 2016 until his death, advancing up to the rank of Colonel. In the past, Hank volunteered with the Jaycees, Gulf Coast Carnival Association, and the Biloxi Yacht Club. He was a dedicated member of Nativity BVM Cathedral, serving as Pastoral Council President, a Eucharistic Minister, and, at one time, a bass in the choir. Of Hank’s many accomplishments, his greatest was his family. The day he married his wife, Nancy, the births of his two daughters, Tara and Scarlett, and the birth of his grandson, Caleb, were the happiest days of his life. The love he had for his wife and daughters was evident on his face, as they were the source of his joy. Some of the happiest memories were made while visiting Walt Disney World as a family, especially as that family grew in number. He loved watching his grandson, Caleb, play soccer as a child, and now at the University of Mobile. Hank was a second father to his son-in-law, Yusef, and just recently he gave his youngest daughter, Scarlett, away in marriage to Kyle, who also looked to him as a father. Hank was a man of many talents, but he especially loved music and aviation. He was a self taught guitarist and singer, and believed “music is the tonic for the tired and weary mind.” Hank began flying with his father when he was 16 years old. In 2000, he earned his private pilot certification from the United States Department of Transportation, and the United States Federal Aviation Administration, and if you knew Hank, you knew he was born to fly. He was known to say, “Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. The first is landing.” On January 4th, the world lost a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a truly great man. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Hours after Hank passed away, his father, James, also died. Maybe it was coincidence or maybe it was providence, or maybe Hank just wasn’t meant to take that last flight solo. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10:00 am, all at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Southern Memorial Park. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rogers family.